Portugal secured a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday. The match, played at Dragao stadium in Porto, saw Goncalo Ramos score the winning goal in the 86th minute. Joao Cancelo had earlier equalized for Portugal after Kristoffer Ajer's stunning opener for Norway. The win showed that Portugal can perform well without star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who was benched by coach Jorge Jesus and later walked out of the camp.
Coach Jorge Jesus said he is prepared to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team, but it would have to be the player's decision. Jesus made the statement after the match, adding that they can discuss the issue before the next call-up. Ronaldo's absence was felt, but Portugal's squad showed depth and resilience to secure the win. The team's performance was a testament to their ability to adapt to different situations.
In another Nations League match, Germany, under coach Jurgen Klopp, were held to a goalless draw by Greece in Thessaloniki. Germany had a goal disallowed through Eintracht Frankfurt forward Jonathan Burkardt in the first half. The result means Klopp's record as new German boss now reads: lost one, won one, drawn one. The draw complicates Germany's qualification task in their group.
The Netherlands moved top of their Nations League group with a 2-1 win over Serbia, thanks to Joshua Zirkzee's winner. The Manchester United forward scored a tap-in from Tijjani Reijnders' cross in the second half. The match also marked Virgil van Dijk's 100th international appearance. New Netherlands coach Xavi is unbeaten after four games, with two wins and two draws.
Israel and Ireland played out a 1-1 draw in their Nations League match, with Israel's players wearing black armbands to commemorate the victims of Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack. The Irish players had worn similar armbands in the previous match to protest the war in Gaza. The result complicates Ireland's qualification task as they now lie third in Group 3 of League B.
Wales lost again, as Rasmus Hojlund slotted in a 75th-minute penalty to earn Denmark a 1-0 win in Cardiff. Welsh goalkeeper Danny Ward had kept the Danes at bay with a string of saves but conceded the penalty when he fouled Denmark midfielder Gustav Isaksen. The win moves Denmark up the group table, while Wales' struggles continue.
The Nations League matches showcased the competitive nature of the tournament, with several teams vying for qualification. The results have set up interesting scenarios in the groups, with several teams still in contention for a spot in the quarter-finals. The tournament will continue with more matches in the coming weeks.
Key points
- Portugal beat Norway 2-1 to reach Nations League quarter-finals
- Germany held to goalless draw by Greece
- Netherlands move top of their Nations League group with win over Serbia
